Department of Justice

APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR FEDERAL JUDICIAL AFFAIRS

OTTAWA, November 8, 2001 - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, after consultation with the Canadian Judicial Council, today announced the appointment of David Gourdeau as Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs. He replaces Guy Goulard, Q.C. who retired last year.

Mr. Gourdeau received a Bachelor of Laws from Université Laval in 1976 and, following his call to the Bar of Quebec in 1977, began practicing law in Montreal. In 1987, he became a founding partner of Rouleau, Gourdeau, Doss in Montreal practicing primarily in commercial litigation and labour relations issues. In 1995, Mr. Gourdeau became a member of the former Canada Labour Relations Board and has continued his participation with the Canada Industrial Relations Board since that time.

The Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs administers Part I of the Judges Act which provides for the payment of salaries, allowances and annuities to the judges of the Federal Court of Canada, the Tax Court of Canada and all other federally appointed judges of the superior courts of the provinces and territories. The Commissioner also has responsibility for the administration of the judicial appointments process on behalf of the Minister of Justice. Among the other duties of the Commissioner is the provision of administrative and budgetary services for the Canadian Judicial Council.

This appointment is effective December 17, 2001.

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Ref.: Farah Mohamed
Minister's Office
(613) 992-4621